Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives to approve two pieces of legislation which will improve and maintain the National “Do Not Call” Registry.

“This legislation gives hard-working Western New Yorkers the freedom to sit down to dinner with their families without unwanted solicitations by telemarketers,” said Congressman Higgins.“Actions by Congress this week will extend this popular program for another five years and remove the burdensome re-enrollment requirement.”

First enacted in 2003, the “Do-Not-Call” Implementation Act established a registry which allows consumers to limit the telemarketing calls they receive.The registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The “Do Not Call” Registry Fee extension act of 2007 (H.R.2601) extends the registry, set to expire this year, through 2012 and allows for the collection of fees from telemarketers to help pay for maintenance of the registry.

The “Do Not Call” Improvement Act (H.R. 3541), which Congressman Higgins co-sponsored, prohibits the FTC from automatically removing numbers from the registry because of predetermined time limitations.Under the original bill residents are required to re-register their numbers after five years.

To register your home or mobile phone on the National “Do Not Call” Registry go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.